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But for many it will be hard to overlook the unfortunate combination of mawkish sentimentality and gaping plot holes that characterizes this well-intentioned film.

There's certainly a place for suspending disbelief in films steeped in magical realism. Drama/comedy fables such as Big and 13 Going on 30 effectively transported viewers to their whimsical alternate reality. But Timothy Green (**½ out of four; rated PG; opens today nationwide) feels more predictable than other-worldly.

Devoted married couple Cindy (Jennifer Garner) and Jim (Joel Edgerton) have been unable to conceive, despite a host of procedures. To honor their efforts, they write a list of wishes for the child they dreamed of having. The traits they cite include bravery, big-heartedness, honesty to a fault and being musically "rocking." They bury this list ritualistically in a box in their garden in the scenic small town of Stanleyville, USA.

Later that night, in the midst of a freak storm, a sweet-natured, mud-slathered 10-year-old boy knocks at their door. He acts a little odd and has leaves growing out of his legs, but otherwise he's like a regular kid. He does seem particularly fond of the garden and raises his arms to bask in the sun at unlikely moments. It's no coincidence that the couple's last name is Green.

Flummoxed only briefly, Cindy and Jim embrace this wide-eyed boy and alternately celebrate and smother him. Strangely, no one in their town questions the sudden appearance of a new child. He's clearly there to impart his earthy wisdom and teach adults important life lessons.

There's a calculated quality here that is off-putting and surprising, given that it was directed and co-written by Peter Hedges, who wrote the masterful What's Eating Gilbert Grape and nimbly adapted About a Boy from Nick Hornby's novel.

CJ Adams as the sprout-turned-boy is winning in a role that couldn't have been easy for an 11-year old to play. Garner is convincing as a warm-hearted, if tense, mom and Edgerton is also likeable. But naysayers like David Morse as Jim's dad, Ron Livingston as Jim's boss and Rosemarie DeWitt as Cindy's sister are little more than caricatures.

The film touches on bigger issues such as helicopter parenting and coping with an emotionally distant father. Subplots are packed in, including the economic woes of a town powered by a pencil factory that is struggling with layoffs.

What Timothy Green does best is capture the sadness of infertility, celebrate the eccentricities of an endearing child and probe the longings, fears and worries of parents.

Still, this fable about a magical child undoubtedly worked better on paper, allowing for more introspection and emotional exploration.

Mostly, The Odd Life of Timothy Green feels contrived , if undeniably sweet.

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